A groundbreaking trial^[1] first published in the British Journal of Urology (BJU) International^[2] has discovered that recurrent urinary tract infections (UTIs) can potentially be prevented for up to nine years using an oral spray vaccine. UTIs, which afflict half of all women and one in five men, pose significant risks, especially for older individuals. Symptoms typically include a burning and increased frequency of urination. 

In the trial conducted at the Royal Berkshire Hospital in the UK, participants were instructed to administer a pineapple-flavored vaccine spray under their tongue daily for three months. They were then monitored for nine years. Remarkably, over half (54%) of both male and female participants with recurrent UTIs remained UTI-free throughout the nine-year period, with no reported significant side effects.

On average, participants experienced a UTI-free period of 54.7 months, with women enjoying slightly longer durations compared to men. Additionally, 40% of trial participants received second doses of the vaccine after one or two years.

Dr. Bob Yang, a consultant urologist involved in the research, expressed optimism about the vaccine's impact on patients' lives. He noted that many participants reported fewer and less severe UTIs, with some finding relief simply by increasing their water intake.

“This is a very easy vaccine to administer and could be given by GPs as a 3-month course. Many of our participants told us that having the vaccine restored their quality of life,” says Yang.^[3]

“Nine years after first receiving this new UTI vaccine, [about] half of the participants remained infection-free."

The vaccine, known as MV140 and developed by the Spanish pharmaceutical company Immunotek, consists of a suspension of water containing four bacterial species. Although available off-license in 26 countries, the vaccine's efficacy and safety were presented at the European Association of Urology (EAU) Congress in Paris. The next step involves submitting the findings to regulatory agencies like the Medicines and Healthcare Products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) for potential approval for use within the NHS.

Gernot Bonkat, chairman of the EAU Guidelines on Urological Infections, praised the study's outcomes, emphasizing the potential of the MV140 vaccine as a breakthrough in UTI prevention. He highlighted its promise of alleviating the economic burden associated with recurrent UTIs and reducing the risk of antibiotic resistance.

Overall, the trial results suggest that the MV140 vaccine could offer a safe and effective alternative to conventional UTI treatments, marking a significant advancement in preventive care for this common and burdensome condition. The full study results are expected to be published by the end of 2024.

1. ^{^}

   Sick of UTIs? Spraying this vaccine in your mouth could help prevent them for 9 years, Journal/conference: European Association of Urology (EAU) Congress, SCIMEX https://www.scimex.org/newsfeed/sick-of-utis-spraying-this-vaccine-in-your-mouth-could-help-prevent-them-for-9-years

2. ^{^}

   First experience in the UK of treating women with recurrent urinary tract infections with the bacterial vaccine Uromune® First published: 23 November 2017 https://doi.org/10.1111/bju.14067

3. ^{^}

   Vaccine prevents UTIs for up to 9 years in more than half of people, Cosmos, April 7th, 2024, Quote https://cosmosmagazine.com/health/medicine/vaccine-prevents-utis-for-up-to-9-years-in-more-than-half-of-people/